Home > News > Monster Hunter Wilds: Sword & Shield Moves Guide

Monster Hunter Wilds: Sword & Shield Moves Guide

Author：Kristen Update：Oct 18,2025

Mastering Sword and Shield Combat in Monster Hunter Wilds

Finding the perfect balance in Monster Hunter Wilds can be challenging, especially when weighing armor and Talisman tradeoffs. However, the Sword and Shield offers remarkable versatility in battle. Covering both offensive and defensive capabilities, here's how to maximize this reliable weapon's potential.

Sword and Shield Fundamentals

Ideal for both beginners and experienced hunters, the Sword and Shield provides exceptional mobility and striking power while maintaining defensive options through guarding. This makes it adaptable to nearly any hunting scenario.

Combat Techniques

Input	Action	Effect
Triangle/Y	Basic Slash	Performs a foundational sword strike that chains into a 4-hit combo. Adjust positioning mid-combo using the analog stick.
Circle/B	Special Strike	With directional input, executes a Shield Bash causing stun damage. Without input, delivers a strong Lateral Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Advancing Slash	Performs a forward-moving upward slash. Triggers environmental attacks when used near ledges or while sliding.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (Mid-combo)	Roundslash	Executes a wide-area slash with repositioning flexibility. Leads into Spinning Reaper when properly chained.
Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Charged Chop	A devastating leaping attack that deals multiple hits on weak spots. Power increases when following specific attacks.
Forward + Circle/B	Shield Bash	Directs shield impact toward enemies, particularly effective when targeting heads for maximum stun potential.
Back + Circle/B	Evasive Backstep	Dodges attacks mid-combo. Follow with Triangle/Y timing for Perfect Rush multi-hit combo.
Circle/B During Backstep	Charged Slash	Launches aerial attacks including Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B).
Hold R2/RT	Defensive Guard	Blocks incoming attacks. Perfect timing triggers Counter Slash opportunity.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Closing Strike	Quickly bridges distance to target.
R2/RT + Square/X	Item Usage	Allows item consumption without sheathing weapon.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Vital Strike	Precise stab targeting wounds. Follow with Falling Slash (Triangle/Y) or Upswing Bash (Circle/B).

Essential Combinations

Sword and Shield Combo Chart

Credit: Capcom via The Escapist

Lateral Slash Chain

Sequence: Lateral Slash → Return Stroke → Spinning Rising Slash → Spinning Reaper → Charged Chop. This efficient combo delivers concentrated damage while maintaining mobility.

Stun-focused Bash Sequence

Pattern: Shield Attack → Shield Attack → Shield Attack → Guard Slash. Ideal for targeting monster heads to create knockdown opportunities.

Perfect Rush Execution

Flow: Any opening attack → Backstep → Leaping Slash → Perfect Rush → Scaling Slash → Falling Bash. Maximize damage by executing follow-up attacks during red flash animations.

Advanced Tactics

Sword and Shield Combat Tactics

Credit: Capcom via The Escapist

Adaptive Assault

Alternate between rapid sword strikes (accumulating elemental damage) and opportunistic shield bashes (building stun status) for optimal takedown efficiency.

Defensive Mastery

Perfect Guards completely negate damage when timed precisely, while Backsteps create space while setting up immediate counterattacks.

Wound Exploitation

Use Focus Strikes on vulnerable body parts, choosing between Falling Slash (damage focus) or Upswing Bash → Falling Bash (stun focus) based on hunt requirements.